PuppyBase

English Foxhound vs Norwegian Lundehund

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

English Foxhound vs Norwegian Lundehund

People compare English Foxhounds and Norwegian Lundehunds because both are rare, built for intense jobs, and look like they stepped out of another century. But that’s where the similarity ends. One’s a big, baying athlete built for open fields and pack life. The other’s a compact, six-toed acrobat evolved to squeeze into cliffside crevices. If you’re drawn to either, you’re not looking for a couch potato. but what kind of adventure you’re signing up for matters. The English Foxhound is all about motion and music. At 75 pounds and built for endurance, this dog lives to run with others. You won’t keep up with it on a jog, and it definitely won’t come back if off-leash in an open area. It’s affectionate but not clingy, more teammate than shadow. It barks. loud and often. and thrives in rural homes with a yard, kids, and ideally, another dog. It’s not stubborn, but it’s easily distracted by scents, so training takes consistency. The Lundehund is a puzzle. Small, with extra toes and ears that fold shut, it’s fascinating but finicky. It’s loyal but cautious, not quick to warm to strangers or chaotic households. It sheds, needs mental puzzles, and comes with serious health risks. Lundehund syndrome means lifelong vet attention and a specialized diet. This isn’t a breed you adopt on a whim. It’s for experienced owners who want a quiet, quirky companion and don’t mind being tethered to a vet schedule. Here’s the real story: the Foxhound will steal your heart through sheer enthusiasm. The Lundehund will let you earn its trust. slowly, and only if you prove you’re worth it.

English Foxhound
Norwegian Lundehund
23–25 in
Height
12–15 in
60–75 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
10–13 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#188
AKC popularity
#191

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
English Foxhound Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
English Foxhound is more affectionate (2-point difference)
English
Good with Young Children
English Foxhound is better with kids (2-point difference)
English
Good with Other Dogs
English Foxhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
English
Barking Level
Norwegian Lundehund barks less (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Coat Grooming
English Foxhound needs less grooming (1-point difference)
English
The verdict

Choose the English Foxhound if…

  • Hunters and equestrian households
  • Active families
  • Rural environments
  • You value affectionate w/ familyEnglish Foxhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families
  • You value coat groomingNorwegian Lundehund scores higher here.
English Foxhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Foxhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Norwegian Lundehund Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norwegian Lundehund home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run